How to prevent blisters for good
Forget churning through boxes of band aides, according to recent research from Stanford University School of Medicine, applying surgical tape can prevent the development of painful blisters.
A study was conducted where researchers covered parts of ultra-marathon runner’s feet with paper surgical tape, w was found to reduce blister development by 40 per cent. In fact, only 23 per cent of the runners developed blisters underneath the taped area of their feet, compared to 63 per cent who developed them underneath the untapped areas. The best part is, this tape is available from any well stocked pharmacy.
Blisters occur when your skin cells become damaged and separate, due to friction from another object—like your shoes—rubbing up against them. But the slickness of the paper tape reduces this friction, likely minimizing the irritation of the skin underneath it, says study author Grant Lipman, MD.
Cover your blister-prone areas with 1" pieces of paper tape every time before you run, hike or wear a new pair of shoes. These areas will usually be your toes, heel, instep, or outstep. Be sure to also moisturize your feet with lotion to keep the skin soft, filing down your calluses and also keeping nails trimmed to help stop blisters popping up.
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